Five step program
This is my tenth year of running the Digital Camera Resource Page. Hard to believe. It's definitely worked out well for me, though I still dream of bigger and better things. The problem is that there's only one Jeff, and I really can't handle any more work -- the stress has already taken its toll on me.
The only way for my businesses to grow is to expand... which means taking risks -- something I don't like to do. After talking with friends and family and doing lots of thinking, I've come up with these steps to reach my ultimate goal of having three websites:
Step 1: Convert business from a sole proprietorship to an LLC
Step 2: Create an updated media kit that I can send out to potential advertisers
Step 3: Hire a salesperson part-time (which is proving to be VERY difficult)
Step 4: Once DCRP ad sales are up, hire an editor for PrinterSpot
Step 5: Once PrinterSpot is making money, redesign dvspot and hire another editor to help bring it back from the dead
Once those steps are done, I will have a nice network of product review websites. I'm breaking it down into pieces so I'm not totally overwhelmed (which is pretty easy these days). The idea of hiring people is scary, as I really have no experience in that area. But it has to be done... for the business, and for my sanity.
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My best advice is go with what your gut tells you. That isn't going to be effective 100% of the time, but if you are getting a weird feeling off someone then pass even if you can't verbalize why.
I learned this the hard way after being offered a job that looked great on paper, it was mid-year (I'm a teacher), there wasn't anything wrong with it that I could see, but I just had this... feeling. I took it anyway and was miserable for 6 months. I think you have good instincts about people (most introverts do).
I'm excited about the changes. Good luck!
I did step 1 this year. It's relatively easy, but there's quite a bit to understand. It's a very good move though.
On hiring, I used to do a lot of it in my previous career and had many excellent employees. (I will be doing some hiring this year for my own business.) Hiring is the most important part of managing people. Hire the right people and your job is easy. Hire the wrong people and your job will be very painful, and worse, your business will suffer. A few highly recommended things:
1. Start everyone off as a contractor/consultant, not an employee. Test them out 3-6 months before you hire them as an employee (if that's what you're planning). Let them go sooner if they're not performing to your expectations.
2. Conduct thorough interviews. Ask lots of questions, spend at least an hour or two talking with them. Ask your friends and family to interview them (since you don't have other employees to interview them). Write up a list of questions for everyone to ask; it's okay if everyone asks the same questions. People can sense different things from other people. I actually got many complements from candidates who appreciated all of the time that was spent interviewing and the challenging questions they were asked.
3. Take an introductory supervisor class, to learn how to manage people, what you should say and shouldn't say, how to approach certain issues, etc. This won't turn you into the boss from The Office or Office Space, but will give you helpful guidance on how to manage and communicate with employees that's best for both them and you.
Contact me if you'd like to discuss.